Chandrakant Pandit Resigns as KKR Head Coach: 5 IPL Coaches Likely To Be Removed Or Resign Before IPL 2026 Auctions
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The Indian Premier League is a world of intense pressure and constant evolution, where success is fleeting and expectations are sky-high. As franchises relentlessly seek the perfect winning formula, the coaching staff often finds itself under immense scrutiny. With the massive IPL 2026 mega-auctions on the horizon, the stakes are even higher, promising significant changes. Chandrakant Pandit Resigns from KKR
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In a significant development, Chandrakant Pandit has resigned as the head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite leading KKR to the IPL 2024 title, a disappointing eighth-place finish in IPL 2025 led to his departure. This move highlights the unforgiving nature of the league, where past glories don't guarantee future security, especially with a major squad overhaul looming. Justin Langer (Lucknow Super Giants - Head Coach)
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Justin Langer finds his position as LSG's head coach under scrutiny after their seventh-place finish in IPL 2025. Reports suggest his future is uncertain, particularly with the recent appointment of Bharat Arun as the new bowling coach. LSG's management might be looking for a fresh approach to turn their fortunes around before the mega-auction. They will be focusing on an All India coaching setup. Daniel Vettori (Sunrisers Hyderabad - Head Coach)
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Daniel Vettori oversaw SRH's IPL 2025 campaign, where they finished sixth and missed the playoffs. Despite his efforts, the team's inconsistent performances put his role in question. Franchises often seek a complete reset when results don't align with expectations, making a coaching change a likely first step before rebuilding the squad. Kumar Sangakkara (Rajasthan Royals - Director of Cricket & Head Coach)
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Kumar Sangakkara, in his dual role for Rajasthan Royals, has seen the team struggle for consistent success, finishing a disappointing ninth in IPL 2025. With a mega-auction on the horizon, the Royals' management might opt for a new strategic direction. This could mean a change at the top to optimize their squad building and on-field performance. Vikram Rathour (Rajasthan Royals - Batting Coach)
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As Rajasthan Royals' batting coach, Vikram Rathour is also under pressure following the team's poor IPL 2025 showing. While not the head coach, specialist coaches are often part of a broader review process. The franchise's desire to rebuild and improve performance ahead of the IPL 2026 mega-auction could lead to changes across the entire coaching staff. Paras Mhambrey (Mumbai Indians - Bowling Coach)
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Paras Mhambrey, Mumbai Indians' bowling coach, is another key support staff member whose position could be impacted. MI reached the playoffs in IPL 2025 but fell short of the final, a rare occurrence for the five-time champions. In the high-stakes IPL environment, even successful franchises scrutinize all aspects of their setup for a fresh approach. IPL 2026 Auctions: Anything Can Happen!
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The IPL 2026 mega-auctions are set to be a watershed moment, promising significant shifts in team compositions and strategies. Coaching changes are often the first domino to fall as franchises prepare for a fresh start. With so many prominent names under pressure, the lead-up to the next season is bound to be filled with drama and anticipation.
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